The Coolest People I Know Are Breaking This Dated Jewelry Rule in 2026

From the Chloé FW26 runway to maximalist enthusiasts, if you’ve followed the mixed metal jewelry trend, you know it. How I see it, the popularity of this trend can be attributed to two reasons. A: This is a great way to get the most from your jewelery collection. Two: It’s an act of defiance against the old jewelry rule.

By adopting two-tone jewellery, brands and stylists are no longer limited to the old expectation of matching every metal tone in a look. As someone who used to feel overwhelmed if my belt buckle finish didn’t match my jacket’s buttons or my shoe’s clasp clashed with my earrings, I now welcome the contrast. It’s a relief you won’t know until you try.

Don’t know how to style it? No worries, I asked jenny bird (a well-known advocate for two-tone jewelry) for his moves. Bird shared, “First of all, relax. You’re the one playing. Start wearing jewelry pieces you love to wear daily. Add in other tones from there. If your gold pieces are heavy, sprinkle some silver. If you’re the opposite, sprinkle a little gold.”

Still hesitating? Take a look at your jewelry box. Bird confirms, “You may have a piece that is two-tone to you. For a lot of people, it’s a two-tone watch that you already have and wear often. If you don’t have a piece that is two-tone, that’s a good piece to buy. If not, you can buy a piece that is in two-tone. A thing like that immediately allows you to wear two-tones and more from there.”

Break the mixed metals with a wooden mallet or take them out with a scrap heap. Talking about NYC’s it-girl, coco schifferAs a ring collection I’ll never be able to finish it: “I love mixed metals because it feels like the easiest way to create an intentional look without trying too hard,” Schiffer told me. By leaning into the unpredictable nature of mixed metals, you’ll find a balance that works for you. “I always mix gold and silver in my stash, and I love it when it feels a little unplanned, like everything works together naturally,” Schiffer shared.

So, whether you’re looking to add something to your jewelery box or need new style inspiration, scroll through to see how the fashion set is wearing the mixed-metal trend and shop the best pieces to recreate the look.